Roberto Diago's 'Hombres Libres' at Cuba Pavilion, Venice Biennale 2026
During the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, Cuban artist Roberto Diago showcases 'Hombres Libres' at the Pavilion of the Republic of Cuba. Curated by Nelson Ramirez de Arellano Conde and commissioned by Daneisy García Roque, this installation will be displayed from May 9 to November 22, 2026, at Il Giardino Bianco – Art Space. The artwork features sculpted heads made from oxidized metals, wood, plastics, and reclaimed materials, challenging viewers to engage with Black skin as a representation of trauma and resilience. Born in Havana in 1971, Diago serves as a consulting professor at ISA and is a member of UNEAC, with past exhibitions at Harvard and the National Museum of Fine Arts of Havana, alongside collections in Boston, Senegal, Cuba, and Spain.
Key facts
- Roberto Diago presents 'Hombres Libres' at the Cuba Pavilion, 61st Venice Biennale.
- Exhibition runs May 9 to November 22, 2026 at Il Giardino Bianco – Art Space, Venice.
- Curator: Nelson Ramirez de Arellano Conde; Commissioner: Daneisy García Roque.
- Installation features sculpted heads made from oxidized metals, wood, plastics, and recovered materials.
- Diago was born in Havana, Cuba in 1971.
- He graduated from San Alejandro National Academy of Fine Arts.
- He is a consulting professor at the University of the Arts (ISA) and member of UNEAC.
- His work is in collections including Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and Museo Reina Sofía.
Entities
Artists
- Roberto Diago
- Juan Roberto Diago Durruthy
Institutions
- Pavilion of the Republic of Cuba
- La Biennale di Venezia
- Il Giardino Bianco – Art Space
- San Alejandro National Academy of Fine Arts
- University of the Arts (ISA)
- National Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC)
- Harvard University
- Ethelbert Cooper Gallery
- National Museum of Fine Arts of Havana
- Casa América
- Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
- CIFO
- Pizzuti
- Museum of Black Civilizations
- Museo Reina Sofía
- Centro John F. Kennedy
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Havana
- Cuba
- Madrid
- Spain
- Boston
- United States
- Senegal
- Washington, D.C.